Does anyone think there will be a z-mount version replacement of the Nikon 500mm PF (or possibly a 600mm PF)? Or do you think this 400mm "is it" for a while for lightweight telephoto primes? It would be nice if Nikon would update the roadmap soon.
I have a 100-400Z and 70-200Z that I both love, but occasionally would like more reach. I would prefer not to buy the 500mm PF and instead invest in Z-Mount lenses (as they come available).
So I have been toying around with the idea of selling my 100-400 and getting the 400mm F2.8 Z. That would give me 70-200 F2.8 Z, 400mm F2.8 Z and 560mm F4 in just two lenses.
The other scenario is to keep the 70-200 and the 100-400mm and hope that a 500mm or a 600mm PF comes out. But I could be hoping for a very long time
I shoot mammals and landscapes (no birds). But having the extra each at 500+ would be great for smaller mammals like Marmots and Martens.
I think Nikon has worked out what fits the needs or the wish list of shooters very well, they have also worked out that many people can be like I Phone buyers "I WANT IT, and HAVE TO HAVE IT AT ANY PRICE".
The price of a TC 1.4 Z is a jack deal to the max indirectly $ profits on many new lens sales.
I feel the 400 F4.5 is a 300pf F4 version with 100mm added plus additional refinements, not just a 500 PF replacement, i think that will come in a 600mm F5.6 prime version.
Its known Z cameras and Z Tcs work better than FX versions using TCs.
I think the market will be more 400 600 800 plus Tcs with the 200-600 being an updated version of the 200-500 FX.
I feel there is a distinct 2 stage market 1) expensive and 2) crazy expensive for professional exotics some with built in TCs, i mean you could almost buy a good new car for some of those lens prices, but hey we just pay what ever they ask for if we want it all.
Regardless we seem to pour tens of thousands on gear to view it on our phones, social media the internet U tube.......web sites. AND there is nothing wrong in that.
Now there is nothing wrong with all of this if its what we want, can, do, or love, but gee there is some really good stuff around especially used that is on par or better with little trade off.
If your into Video then the older gear may be an issue with focus breathing and motor noise.
I have a nail through the 50mm 1.8s, that's as far as i am going for now with the Z system, my 70-200 FL and 200-500 meets and exceeds my current needs on the D850 or Z9, again till the dust settles on availability and price, i am happy to hire the 600 f4 and D6 as needed.
2023 will be interesting for all.
I agree with Thom's comments 70-200 400 4.5 both with 1.4 Tcs makes sense and a nice hand in glove fit, whats missing is the bridge of 600mm to get you top 800mm.
I use the 14-24g, 24-70g, 20-200 fl, 200-500, 300 2.8g VR II, 100 F2 Ziess macro, D850, Z9, rented D6 for critical needs, rented 600 f4 as needed.
I will review things in later 2023 when the availability for the Z8 may occur.
For what i do and need, the 800 is of my list on price as i prefer the 600 f4 with a 1.4 TC.
The 400 F4.5 not on my list its covered by my 300 3.8 VR II with a Tc 1.4 if needed, plus i have the option to enjoy the spectacular F2.8 performance at night soccer matches when the F5.6 shooters have packed it in.
I come across it so often when others have high noise slower focus, while i blaze away with F2.8 tack sharp in supper challenging lower light on a D6 thats SMOKING it mate.
Hey this only me and what i do, which doesn't make it right for everyone else.
Congratulations for Nikon bringing out some good glass, i am very impressed from what i hear and see.
Only an opinion
